That being said, the argument about rhythm games not being made for a ‘realistic experience’ is really debatable; the peripherals are constantly updated to be more real, and Neversoft consulted popular rock drummers when making their drum peripheral. There’s also the fact that they frequently try to get the licenses for the real versions of songs, instead of covers. It feels to me like Neversoft and Harmonix do everything they can to give a player the most realistic experience they can while still making it a fun game.

But, for the sake of argument, let’s just say they’re not made to be real and immersive (although I don’t think that’s the case) The point of my article has nothing to do with the realism of the games. It was about how playing commercial music in a rhythm game is a factor that I don’t enjoy, and would like to see a game that used original music, in original ways. In the article, I even suggested a game that used the concept of Gitaroo Man combined with the peripherals of games like RB/GH to make what I would consider an incredibly fun game, so clearly the realism factor is just a minor reason for my dislike of the genre at best.

I understand where you’re coming from, but you’ve largely debated an argument that I didn’t make (and I also think that the games strive as much towards realism as they can get away with).

Games such as “the big three” (which by the way, nobody calls them that) that use peripherals are made to simulate–not re-create–playing an instrument. They are NOT made for people who necessarily want to play a real instrument, muchless learn how to play one. People who play those types of games are *gamers*, not musicians. We don’t care to do anything except for pretend (again, simulate) being rock stars. When you play CoD: Modern Warfare, should I criticize you for not being a real Spetsnaz? No, because it’s all simulation and, ultimately, for fun.

People–especially musicians who, when they rant about how RB/GH/etc. are nothing like real the real guitar experience–need to get off their high horses. Gamers don’t outright criticize undiscovered musicians for playing “I’ll never get signed so I guess I’ll keep playing at the local bar” Hero. Relax. It’s gaming. That’s it.